Qualcomm is expanding its mobile portfolio with two new SoCs that are set to shake up the market for affordable smartphones. With the Snapdragon 6s 4G Gen 2 and the Snapdragon 4 Gen 4, the company is presenting two platforms that focus on powerful performance, AI support and improved multimedia functions – each optimized for different user profiles.
- Snapdragon 6s 4G Gen 2: Designed for 4G devices with strong CPU performance, AI functions and 108 MP camera capabilities.
- Snapdragon 4 Gen 4: 4nm 5G processor for fast connectivity, high energy efficiency and better everyday performance.
- Both models: Support for FHD+ displays with up to 120 Hz, fast charging capabilities and optimized audio processing.
- Focus: Improved image quality, longer battery life and smoother gaming.
Snapdragon 6s 4G Gen 2 – robust all-rounder for 4G devices
The Snapdragon 6s 4G Gen 2 is intended to set new standards for mid-range devices without 5G. Manufactured using the 6 nm process, the chip combines a Kryo CPU cluster with up to 2.9 GHz and an Adreno GPU, which offers around 20 percent higher graphics performance than the previous generation. The SoC is therefore aimed at users who value smooth multitasking, fast app switching and solid gaming performance.
A special highlight is the Qualcomm Spectra Triple ISP, which allows photos with up to 108 megapixels or simultaneous recording with three cameras. This triple ISP architecture enables a flexible combination of ultra-wide-angle, wide-angle and telephoto cameras. The chip also supports videos with HDR support and up to 12-bit color depth.
Connectivity is provided by an LTE modem with dual SIM dual standby, optimized for stable 4G connections and Wi-Fi 5 support. The chip remains energy-efficient: the integrated Qualcomm Sensing Hub controls audio, voice and sensor signals without placing a heavy load on the main processor. Devices can be charged up to 80 percent in just 35 minutes via Quick Charge 3 – ideal for everyday mobile use.
The 6s 4G Gen 2 also brings improvements in the areas of security and AI: A dedicated Hexagon processor ensures faster AI-based voice and camera processing, while biometric authentication via fingerprint, face or voice is supported. This positions the chip as a versatile platform for durable mid-range smartphones.
Snapdragon 4 Gen 4 – 5G performance on 4nm technology
With the Snapdragon 4 Gen 4, Qualcomm is targeting the lower price range of the 5G segment, but is relying on a highly efficient 4 nm design. The combination of a Kryo CPU with two performance and six efficiency cores (up to 2.3 GHz) and an Adreno graphics processor ensures smooth operation even with complex apps or games at 120 FPS.
Thanks to the integrated 5G modem RF system with support for sub-6 GHz bands, SA/NSA modes and Dynamic Spectrum Sharing, download rates of up to 2.5 Gbit/s are achieved. In addition, the SoC supports Wi-Fi 5 and modern encryption standards according to WPA3, which means it remains stable even with mobile gaming and streaming applications.
The camera unit of the Snapdragon 4 Gen 4 is based on a dual-ISP system with up to 36 MP sensors. Features such as multi-frame noise reduction and AI-supported low-light optimization improve night shots and noticeably reduce image noise. Video content can be recorded at 1080p at 60 FPS.
The platform also impresses in terms of battery efficiency: Quick Charge 4+ technology enables a 50% charge in just 15 minutes, while the chipset should offer a significantly longer overall runtime than its predecessor. UFS 3.1 memory and LPDDR5 RAM are also supported – components that are usually reserved for high-end chips.
Snapdragon 6s 4G Gen 2 vs Snapdragon 4 Gen 4: The most important differences at a glance
| Feature | Snapdragon 6s 4G Gen 2 | Snapdragon 4 Gen 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturing process | 6 nm | 4 nm |
| CPU | Kryo CPU, up to 2.9 GHz, approx. 51% more performance compared to predecessor | Kryo CPU, 2 performance + 6 efficiency cores, up to 2.3 GHz |
| GPU | Adreno GPU, approx. 20% more graphics performance compared to predecessor | Adreno GPU for smooth graphics display |
| Mobile modem | LTE modem, 4G-only, dual SIM dual standby | 5G modem RF system, sub-6 GHz, up to 2.5 Gbit/s downlink |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), 2.4/5 GHz | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), 2.4/5 GHz |
| Camera/ISP | Qualcomm Spectra Triple ISP, up to 108 MP, multi-cam simultaneously | Qualcomm Spectra Dual ISP, up to 108 MP, 36 MP single camera, multi-frame noise reduction |
| Display support | FHD+ @ 120 Hz | FHD+ @ 120 Hz |
| Fast charging | Quick Charge 3.0, up to 80% in approx. 35 minutes | Quick Charge 4+, up to 50% in approx. 15 minutes |
| Working memory | LPDDR4X up to 2,133 MHz, up to 8 GB | LPDDR5 up to 3,200 MHz, alternatively LPDDR4X up to 2,133 MHz |
| Memory | UFS 2.2 | UFS 3.1 (2-lane ) |
| Target segment | 4G mid-range with a focus on camera and everyday performance | Affordable 5G devices with a focus on efficiency and battery life |
Conclusion
With the Snapdragon 6s 4G Gen 2 and the Snapdragon 4 Gen 4, Qualcomm is launching two balanced platforms that cover different requirements: a versatile 4G chip with strong AI and camera functions and an energy-efficient 5G processor for smooth everyday performance. Both SoCs show that affordable devices will also benefit from functions that were previously reserved for more expensive models.
Devices with the new chips are expected to be launched from the first half of 2026. Qualcomm is sending a clear message: high-end experiences no longer have to carry a premium price tag.
